Forget Bali for a moment. If you’ve been scrolling through your social media feed wondering where to go for a quick, affordable getaway that isn’t overrun by tourists, it’s time to put Belitung Island on your radar. This stunning Indonesian island — famed for its dramatic granite boulder beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and laid-back charm — has just become significantly more accessible from Singapore, thanks to Scoot’s brand-new direct route launching on 3 May 2026.
With twice-weekly flights and one-way economy fares starting from just S$99, there’s never been a better time to discover what travel insiders have been calling “the Maldives of Indonesia” — without the Maldives price tag.
Why Belitung Is Trending Right Now
Belitung (sometimes spelt Billiton) is a small island off the east coast of Sumatra, part of the Bangka Belitung province. While it has long been a favourite domestic destination for Indonesian travellers — particularly after the hugely popular 2008 film Laskar Pelangi (The Rainbow Troops) was filmed here — it has remained relatively unknown to Singaporeans.
That’s rapidly changing. Scoot’s announcement on 9 April 2026 of new direct flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Belitung’s Hanandjoeddin International Airport is a game-changer. The flights depart twice weekly, making a long weekend escape perfectly doable. And with Scoot’s network now expanding to 85 destinations across 18 countries, Belitung is positioned as one of the most exciting new additions for Singapore-based travellers.
Top Things to Do in Belitung
1. Marvel at Tanjung Tinggi Beach
This is Belitung’s most iconic beach, and for good reason. Enormous granite boulders are scattered across pristine white sand, framing impossibly blue waters. It’s the beach that featured in Laskar Pelangi, and the scenery genuinely looks like something out of a fantasy film. Arrive early in the morning to have the boulders almost entirely to yourself, or come at sunset when the rocks glow warm amber.
2. Go Island Hopping
The island-hopping tour from Tanjung Kelayang is an absolute must-do. A full-day boat trip typically takes you to several small islands, including Lengkuas Island — home to a striking Dutch-era lighthouse built in the 1880s that you can climb for panoramic views. You’ll also stop at tiny sandbar islands with turquoise shallows perfect for snorkelling, and Batu Berlayar (Sailing Rock) Island, where dramatic rock formations jut out of the sea like natural sculptures.
3. Visit the Surreal Kaolin Lake
Once a tin mining site, Kaolin Lake has transformed into an otherworldly attraction. Bright turquoise rainwater has filled the former quarry, surrounded by stark white kaolin clay banks. It looks like something straight out of a sci-fi film, and it’s completely free to visit. Photographers, take note — the contrast is spectacular in the midday sun.
4. Feast on Fresh Seafood
Belitung’s seafood scene is exceptional and remarkably affordable. The local specialty is Gangan, a tangy and spicy fish soup that’s unique to the island. You’ll find warung-style restaurants serving incredibly fresh catches at prices that will make Singaporean foodies weep with joy. A full seafood spread for two can easily come in under S$20.
5. Hike to Batu Baginda
For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the short but rewarding hike to Batu Baginda takes you to the top of a massive granite boulder, offering sweeping views of southern Belitung and the Java Sea. It’s a moderate climb suitable for most fitness levels, and the views from the summit are well worth the effort.
Practical Details for Singaporean Travellers
Getting there: Scoot’s new direct flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Hanandjoeddin International Airport launch on 3 May 2026, operating twice weekly. Flight time is approximately 1.5 hours. One-way economy fares start from S$99. Book at flyscoot.com.
Pro tip for miles collectors: In exciting news, KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes now includes Scoot flights for the first time. For May 2026 travel, you can enjoy 15% off Saver award rates on Scoot. A Singapore-to-Belitung redemption could cost as little as 3,150 KrisFlyer miles plus taxes — a fantastic use of your points.
Visa: Singapore passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to Indonesia for stays of up to 30 days.
Best time to visit: The dry season runs from April to October, making right now the perfect window to plan your trip. Temperatures hover around 27–32°C year-round.
Where to stay: Most travellers base themselves in Tanjung Pandan, the main town, which is about a 20-minute drive from the airport. Budget-friendly options like Joyfull Hotel start from around S$30 per night, while the mid-range Grand Hatika Hotel offers solid comfort. For a splurge, check out Leebong Island Resort, which features overwater bungalows.
Budget: Belitung is wonderfully affordable. Expect to spend around S$50–80 per day on meals, transport, and activities — a fraction of what you’d spend in Bali or Phuket.
More Scoot Route Expansions to Watch
Belitung isn’t the only new destination on Scoot’s radar. From June 2026, the airline will also launch thrice-weekly flights to Pontianak in West Kalimantan (fares from S$129 one-way), and increase frequencies on popular routes including Bali, Lombok, Phuket, and Okinawa. For travellers looking for fresh alternatives to the usual suspects, this is an exciting time to explore.
If you’re already a fan of quick Indonesian getaways like Batam, Belitung offers a similar ease of access with a completely different vibe — think untouched beaches instead of shopping malls, and granite boulders instead of massage parlours. And for those who enjoyed exploring Bangkok’s evolving luxury scene, Belitung is the polar opposite — raw, natural beauty at its finest.
With Scoot making it easier and more affordable than ever to reach this island paradise, Belitung won’t stay under the radar for much longer. Our advice? Book early, go soon, and enjoy it before the crowds catch on.
